We're excited to celebrate together!

Long before our first date, we crossed paths many times during our final years of college. Why it took a mutual friend introducing us several years later is still unknown to us, but we are so grateful that she did. After chatting for a few days, somebody (we'll let you guess who) worked up the courage to ask for an official date. What was supposed to be a simple get-to-know-you over a cup of coffee quickly evolved into going for a drive. The drive turned into watching the sunset, and watching the sunset eventually led us to dinner. The night eventually had to come to an end, but that didn't stop us from talking on the phone the entire drives home! It didn't take long for us to reconnect for another date. We quickly realized there was more than just good chemistry between us. We had great conversations about our hopes and dreams, our fears and insecurities, our strengths and weaknesses, and our callings and ambitions-- all of which made it very clear that we could see a future together. What really brought us together, however, is our mutual love for the Lord. As we have taken steps towards Jesus individually, we discovered that we were taking steps closer to each other as well. All it took was one date!

Our proposal story is definitely one to remember! It wasn't necessarily a surprise that a ring was coming, so it took quite a bit of creativity in order to create a personal and meaningful experience. Cody and his friend found the perfect location, and then they came up with a wonderful plan. During their next date night, Cody would get a call from his friend asking for a double date to the Breezyview Gazebo and its overlook. The plan worked perfectly... until Brandi began to suspect something was up! On the day of the "double date," Cody called Brandi to ask if she was running on time. He panicked as she responded, "I haven't left yet. I want to make sure that my makeup looks good... You know, in case a certain photographer might be present." In order to contain the surprise, Cody tried to convince Brandi that the proposal wasn't happening until the following week because he "needed more time to figure out the perfect words to say." This led to lots of tears because Brandi thought Cody wasn't showing himself enough grace. What mattered to her wasn't what was said or how it was said. What mattered to her was who was asking her (go ahead and say, "Aww!"). When they got to the overlook, Brandi recognized what was happening and froze. Cody took her by the hand and led her to the gazebo. After apologizing for making her cry earlier, he started crying and told her simply that she was everything he's ever dreamed of and more to find in his best friend. Then, he got down on one knee and asked Brandi to marry her. She said yes! The countdown to our wedding began!